by Wong Joyce
A burning desire to pray starts from an honest request from God to be like HIM. Our Lord Jesus has shown good exemplary acts of praying with patience and endurance. HE prayed without ceasing on an isolated mountain whole night long, followed by walking on waters to meet the disciples (Mat 14:23). HIS ability seems extraordinary, and many in this modern day shy themselves away by proclaiming it impossible with man. We ought not to forget, all things are actually possible with God (Luke 18:27).
Therefore, we can start praying by making short and simple sentences of thanksgiving. From there, God develops and progressively in-built the in-depth words of God in our hearts. HIS implanted LOGOS words of wisdom will one way or another find their ways through our prayers. After all, our prayers towards heaven are transformed to groanings, as the Holy Spirit stands in the gap for our infirmities and intercedes for us (Romans 8:26). Colorful words and beautiful phrases are secondary, if primarily our heart in not right before God. Requesting for bigger cars, salary increment or higher grades are requests of fleshly satisfaction. God forbid that the above will not be materialized, but God searches after those who humble themselves, and to be exalted by God (Luke 18:14).
As God kick-starts my praying lessons, HE started off by teaching me to pray for myself first. Mind you, it needs a faith of a mustard seed that can remove the mountain (Mat17:20). From praying on my weaknesses, sins and hurdles, have I graduated into appreciating all the abundant blessings HE has showered me from above. Or else, I would have measured HIM small, failing to see HIM without the veil removed (2 Co 3:16).
From starting to love myself, then was I able to love and pray for others. Even God reinforced in me through HIS second commandment that love your neighbors as you love yourself (Matt 22:39). If we also fail to love ourselves or God first with all our heart, our soul and our mind, how are we competent enough "to remove the speck from our brothers' eyes?" (Luke 6:42). We all start from somewhere, as God plants and we grow. For God has formed our inward parts, covered us in our mother's womb, while fearfully and wonderfully made us (Ps 139:13-14). Ultimately, the vicious circle of hatred and corruption will be replaced with the circle of truth and righteousness, as all God's people intercedes for one another, as led by the Holy Spirit. And mind you, this is indeed possible in, with and through God!I am a working Christian adult with a passion to write on personal intimacy with God, as lead by the Holy Spirit.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com
Friday, May 11, 2007
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
The Perfect Banana
by Carol Levergood
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.…I John 3:5
“I love bananas,” is an understatement. Brazil had so many varieties to choose from, I found myself gorging on them. I would nibble on them all day; small Apple Bananas, Plantains, and “Prata.” How is it I wonder why diabetes surfaced? Not realizing how many carbohydrates were packaged in this small fruit, I devoured them during 21 years.
The best stage to eat bananas in my personal opinion is between green and ripe. I am particular because too green, to me, is grainy. Too ripe is mushy and too sweet, unless used for banana pie or banana bread. I like that halfway between the green and ripe, still solid and touched with only light green at the top. Did I say I like bananas?
Am I picky? Yes! And just like the perfect ripening of the banana, I became that way about myself. I wanted to be that perfect example, the perfect pastor’s wife, the perfect wife, mother and friend. Not too sweet, not too grainy on the palette, just perfect! And when I failed, I was devastated. The perfectionism in me would take over and would not let people see me less than perfect. And if I were wrong about something, I was too proud to admit it. Better the front, than to admit I messed up.
The fear of failure was my ultimate apprehension. I must still watch what I tell myself, or I fall right back where I was. Like an alcoholic, I fall off the wagon once in awhile and end up facing defeat. Funny, I am not a perfectionist in some things. I have come so far though in allowing breathing room for myself.
I have sinned against God in this matter way too often I must remember only He is perfect. When I put myself on that same plane, I am sinning against God Almighty. Only He is sinless, whole, perfect, and was the day He chose to die for my sins and yours.
I can be funny about how ripe the bananas are, but why fret over something I will never attain, on this earth. I am though, to strive to do better than the day before. One day we will face eternity with Jesus; once there, I will sin no more, and won’t be green either. I’ll be just right in Jesus!
Father, In Jesus, I ask you cleanse my heart of any sinful pride. Take away my habits that seem to take away from me reflecting you. Thank you for loving me as I daily seek your will, Perfect Heavenly Father.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com/
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.…I John 3:5
“I love bananas,” is an understatement. Brazil had so many varieties to choose from, I found myself gorging on them. I would nibble on them all day; small Apple Bananas, Plantains, and “Prata.” How is it I wonder why diabetes surfaced? Not realizing how many carbohydrates were packaged in this small fruit, I devoured them during 21 years.
The best stage to eat bananas in my personal opinion is between green and ripe. I am particular because too green, to me, is grainy. Too ripe is mushy and too sweet, unless used for banana pie or banana bread. I like that halfway between the green and ripe, still solid and touched with only light green at the top. Did I say I like bananas?
Am I picky? Yes! And just like the perfect ripening of the banana, I became that way about myself. I wanted to be that perfect example, the perfect pastor’s wife, the perfect wife, mother and friend. Not too sweet, not too grainy on the palette, just perfect! And when I failed, I was devastated. The perfectionism in me would take over and would not let people see me less than perfect. And if I were wrong about something, I was too proud to admit it. Better the front, than to admit I messed up.
The fear of failure was my ultimate apprehension. I must still watch what I tell myself, or I fall right back where I was. Like an alcoholic, I fall off the wagon once in awhile and end up facing defeat. Funny, I am not a perfectionist in some things. I have come so far though in allowing breathing room for myself.
I have sinned against God in this matter way too often I must remember only He is perfect. When I put myself on that same plane, I am sinning against God Almighty. Only He is sinless, whole, perfect, and was the day He chose to die for my sins and yours.
I can be funny about how ripe the bananas are, but why fret over something I will never attain, on this earth. I am though, to strive to do better than the day before. One day we will face eternity with Jesus; once there, I will sin no more, and won’t be green either. I’ll be just right in Jesus!
Father, In Jesus, I ask you cleanse my heart of any sinful pride. Take away my habits that seem to take away from me reflecting you. Thank you for loving me as I daily seek your will, Perfect Heavenly Father.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com/
A John Wesley quote
I have so much to do that I spend several hours in prayer before I am able to do it.
A Prayer To Be Made Holy
By Trudy Belle
This is a very deep prayer of commitment and offering and not to be said casually. When we give the Lord our word, He will take it. So please think carefully, read the prayer once and then decide if you are ready to make it your prayer.
God bless Friend
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I come to You with an open heart, mind, soul and spirit
I offer You my entire life
I surrender to You my past, present and future
I ask You take over every part of me
I ask You change me totally from who I am, to who You want me to be
Have Your way O Divine Holy Trinity
I choose You alone to be my all in all
I bow down in my spirit and offer You my life
Have Your perfect way in me
May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in me now and forever
I ask to be holy all the days of my life
I can do this only with Your grace and mercy
So please accept this desire, for You are holy and I want to be only holy
Thank You Lord amen
Trudy Belle is a passionate believer and follower of the Lord Jesus. God uses her as an encourager to the world - to say 'FEAR NOT! Yahweh, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are with us. No matter what is going on - GOD's in charge. Let's keep praying and seeking Him for everything and live a holy life.
www.faithwriters.com
Deliver Me From Hypocrisy
FREELOADERS IN THE PARKING LOT
a short story inspired by true events
"They're nothing more than a bunch of modern day gypsies. It's obvious they live in that rusted van. They probably travel from town to town, begging for handouts," said Elaine Walters, wife of the head deacon of the Heights Community Church.
"Our parking lot is not a campsite for travelers," added her husband, Richard Walters, with a tone of finality.
All of the deacons were there except Jim Stephens, who everyone knew would have held a dissenting opinion. As it was, though, the vote was unanimous. The trespassers who had sought permission to stay for a few days on the church grounds would be told to vacate the premises immediately.
Bob Morris, the pastor, was disappointed in the response of the deacon body. What could he do, though? The board had more authority than he did, including the authority to throw him out as their pastor. His hands were tied.
As soon as the meeting was over, Pastor Morris walked toward the van. The sliding door was open.
It was pleasant outside, cool and breezy. The sky was blue and cloudless. 'At least it's a nice day for traveling,' thought the pastor, groping to put a positive spin on his joyless task. Then he noticed how vacant the van appeared.
"Hello? Anybody there?" he called out.
A rustling was heard and a teenage girl, with a finger over her lips, climbed carefully out of the van. "My baby sister is asleep," she said in a whisper.
Lowering his voice, the pastor said, "Oh, sorry. I'm Pastor Morris. And you are?"
"Felicia," she said, smiling, her hands on her hips.
"Where's the rest of the family, if you don't mind my asking?"
"My grandfather is in the van napping, too. My parents have gone with Mr. Jim to the hospital. My little brother has asthma, and it's been awful lately. I hope they can help him. The poor kid can hardly take a breath. I've never seen it so bad."
His mission of expulsion forgotten, the pastor called Jim from his cell phone and then drove to the hospital.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Before Wednesday night service began, the deacon body had met again - - both Jim Morris and the pastor were absent this time - - and they decided on a course of action. Just before the opening worship songs were sung, Richard Walters stood at the pulpit and made his announcement, his voice shaking with rage. "I'm going to get right to the point. The deacon body, minus Jim Stephens, has agreed that Pastor Bob Morris has chosen a course that is not in the best interest of our congregation. We recommend his immediate dismissal."
Mouths flew open throughout the congregation. In spite of the shock of it, 80-year-old Grandmother Lewis stood without hesitation and said, "What course of action is that, Ricky?"
Frowning at the lack of respect the church member had shown him in calling him by his childhood handle, Richard shot back, "He defied the wishes of the board, which had instructed him to evict a homeless family from the parking lot. Instead, he opened the doors to them, as though the church were some kind of a hotel for deadbeats. He made the showers available to them, as well as the guest cots and the kitchen!"
She had been slowly walking from the back of the room, where her family sat, around to the side. Then Felicia boldly lifted her voice and addressed the congregation. "My brother is a lot better now. His asthma had us scared out of our wits. The kindness that has been shown to us has been something different, very wonderful. We don't want Pastor Morris to get in any trouble because of us. We'll leave right this minute." She walked quickly toward the back exit.
The pastor stepped up to the pulpit. "Don't leave, Felicia. Please sit down," he said into the microphone. Then he looked at the congregation, "No need for a vote. If Felicia and her family leaves right now, I'm right behind them."
Jim Stephens and practically everyone in the congregation -- many of whom had helped pay the family's doctor bills -- stood up and said, "Us, too."
Grandma Lewis stood and said joyfully, "Ricky, some of you are forgetting. We're supposed to bring people into God's family, not lock them out. Now, what do you folks say we all worship the Lord together!" She turned to Felicia and said, "You, too, honey," and soon wrapped her in a warm embrace.
Stephanie Anne "Stevie" McHugh is a published poet, songwriter, newspaper columnist, short story writer, and Texan. Stevie is a member of numerous writing groups and leads poetry workshops for young people. Her website is www.faithadventure.blogspot.com.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com/
a short story inspired by true events
"They're nothing more than a bunch of modern day gypsies. It's obvious they live in that rusted van. They probably travel from town to town, begging for handouts," said Elaine Walters, wife of the head deacon of the Heights Community Church.
"Our parking lot is not a campsite for travelers," added her husband, Richard Walters, with a tone of finality.
All of the deacons were there except Jim Stephens, who everyone knew would have held a dissenting opinion. As it was, though, the vote was unanimous. The trespassers who had sought permission to stay for a few days on the church grounds would be told to vacate the premises immediately.
Bob Morris, the pastor, was disappointed in the response of the deacon body. What could he do, though? The board had more authority than he did, including the authority to throw him out as their pastor. His hands were tied.
As soon as the meeting was over, Pastor Morris walked toward the van. The sliding door was open.
It was pleasant outside, cool and breezy. The sky was blue and cloudless. 'At least it's a nice day for traveling,' thought the pastor, groping to put a positive spin on his joyless task. Then he noticed how vacant the van appeared.
"Hello? Anybody there?" he called out.
A rustling was heard and a teenage girl, with a finger over her lips, climbed carefully out of the van. "My baby sister is asleep," she said in a whisper.
Lowering his voice, the pastor said, "Oh, sorry. I'm Pastor Morris. And you are?"
"Felicia," she said, smiling, her hands on her hips.
"Where's the rest of the family, if you don't mind my asking?"
"My grandfather is in the van napping, too. My parents have gone with Mr. Jim to the hospital. My little brother has asthma, and it's been awful lately. I hope they can help him. The poor kid can hardly take a breath. I've never seen it so bad."
His mission of expulsion forgotten, the pastor called Jim from his cell phone and then drove to the hospital.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Before Wednesday night service began, the deacon body had met again - - both Jim Morris and the pastor were absent this time - - and they decided on a course of action. Just before the opening worship songs were sung, Richard Walters stood at the pulpit and made his announcement, his voice shaking with rage. "I'm going to get right to the point. The deacon body, minus Jim Stephens, has agreed that Pastor Bob Morris has chosen a course that is not in the best interest of our congregation. We recommend his immediate dismissal."
Mouths flew open throughout the congregation. In spite of the shock of it, 80-year-old Grandmother Lewis stood without hesitation and said, "What course of action is that, Ricky?"
Frowning at the lack of respect the church member had shown him in calling him by his childhood handle, Richard shot back, "He defied the wishes of the board, which had instructed him to evict a homeless family from the parking lot. Instead, he opened the doors to them, as though the church were some kind of a hotel for deadbeats. He made the showers available to them, as well as the guest cots and the kitchen!"
She had been slowly walking from the back of the room, where her family sat, around to the side. Then Felicia boldly lifted her voice and addressed the congregation. "My brother is a lot better now. His asthma had us scared out of our wits. The kindness that has been shown to us has been something different, very wonderful. We don't want Pastor Morris to get in any trouble because of us. We'll leave right this minute." She walked quickly toward the back exit.
The pastor stepped up to the pulpit. "Don't leave, Felicia. Please sit down," he said into the microphone. Then he looked at the congregation, "No need for a vote. If Felicia and her family leaves right now, I'm right behind them."
Jim Stephens and practically everyone in the congregation -- many of whom had helped pay the family's doctor bills -- stood up and said, "Us, too."
Grandma Lewis stood and said joyfully, "Ricky, some of you are forgetting. We're supposed to bring people into God's family, not lock them out. Now, what do you folks say we all worship the Lord together!" She turned to Felicia and said, "You, too, honey," and soon wrapped her in a warm embrace.
Stephanie Anne "Stevie" McHugh is a published poet, songwriter, newspaper columnist, short story writer, and Texan. Stevie is a member of numerous writing groups and leads poetry workshops for young people. Her website is www.faithadventure.blogspot.com.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com/
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
